Microsoft Excel is more than just what your parents used at their desk jobs. When used effectively, it can be a rewarding tool in your arsenal, whether you’re running a business, a home, or simply need a budget. Drop-down lists simplify data input, which is helpful where time is money.
How to create drop-down lists in Excel
1. Select the cells where the drop-down lists are needed
In this example spreadsheet, there’s a list of clients on the left and a column with Communication Preference on the right. We’ll add drop-down lists for their communication preference, to select whether they want to be emailed, called, or texted.
2. Go to Data in your options, then select Data Validation
A Data Validation pop-up will appear after you click on Data Validation.
3. Under Allow, select List from the menu
In the Data Validation pop-up, go to the drop-down menu under Allow and select List.
4. In Source, enter the items for your drop-down lists, separated by a comma
Enter the items you want to be able to choose from in your drop-down lists, each one separated by a comma.
5. Drop-down lists are ready!
Whenever a cell is clicked on, a drop-down arrow will appear on the lower-right corner, click on the arrow and the drop-down list appears to select from. When you select an item from the list, it will populate the cell.
